President Barack Obama hosts his closest ally at the White House Wednesday — British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The two leaders plan to discuss Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, and the upcoming NATO and G-8 summits. The prime minister will also be guest of honor at a White House state dinner.

Mr. Obama and Mr, Cameron wrote in The Washington Post newspaper this week that the the U.S.-British alliance is a “partnership of the heart, bound by the history, traditions and values.”

They said they are working with other global economic powerhouses to create jobs, sustain the global recovery, and resolve Europe's debt crisis.

Tuesday, Mr. Obama shared his passion for basketball by treating Mr. Cameron to a U.S. springtime tradition — a college tournament game in Ohio between Western Kentucky University and Mississippi Valley State.

It was the first basketball game Mr. Cameron ever attended. He told a television reporter that the game moved fast, but that the rules are a bit confusing.